Seton Hall Attends American Conference on Diversity

Friday, November 30, 2018

By Adam Varoqua

On November 16, members of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, Martin Luther King Scholarship Association (MLKSA), and Student Government Association, attended the 2018 Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference hosted by Stockton University. The American Conference on Diversity (ACOD), established in 1948 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, teaches the practice of diversity and inclusion by providing training for businesses, educators, and youth. The 2018 American Conference on Diversity's theme was "Life and Death Matters" and featured dynamic speakers, breakout sessions, and special panel discussions, including a panel comprised of Seton Hall students.

Since 2000, the American Conference on Diversity has partnered with New Jersey's leading institutions to host this event. The conference brings together educators, students, business leaders and community members to discuss issues central to educating and empowering emerging leaders in higher education and the workplace.

The 2018 ACOD's keynote speaker was Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Hackensack-Meridian Health, Mr. Wayne Boatwright. Breakout panel discussions explored topics such as addressing hate crime violence, serving undocumented students on college campuses, and making the business case for diversity and inclusion. Notable speakers like Chief Diversity Officer for the State of New Jersey, Hester H. Agudosi, the Director for Garden State Equality Dr. Tyree Oredein, and Councilman Kaleem Shabazz of Atlantic City, NJ, among others, participated as panelists.

The student panel consisted of Stockton senior, Sa'Miyah Wright, MLKSA Scholars Emani Miles and Shania Vincent, and Latino Institute Work Study Student Adam Varoqua. The panel discussed diversity issues pertinent to their own respective University. They also conversed on what aspects of their identity means to them as they work through their collegiate careers.

Different New Jersey colleges were also in attendance like Morris County Community College, Ramapo College, Essex Community College, and many others.

"We were thrilled to attend the 18th Annual American Conference on Diversity alongside our campus partners, MLKSA. The ACOD has a remarkable legacy helping to build vibrant and inclusive spaces in New Jersey's top corporations, schools, and government. In these extraordinary times of discord, it's important to be part of the build bridging process," said Stephanie Macias-Arlington, executive director of the Institute.

Seton Hall's Latino Institute, Department of Student Life, and MLKSA sponsored attendee registrations and transportation for all 26 Seton Hall students to and from the conference.

Overall, the event highlighted the advocacy work of many industry and political leaders who continually address the life and death matters of diversity and inclusion. As the president and chief executive officer of the ACOD, Elizabeth Williams Riley, shared in her Welcome Message, "These are critical times for the ACOD and our work is needed now more than ever. The ACOD's ultimate goal is to make sure that individuals who participate in our programs serve as ambassadors for diversity and inclusion, and are present at every decision-making table."

The Institute looks forward to continuing its work of nurturing compassion, respect, and awareness within the Seton Hall student community.

For information on future events, scholarships, and all that is #JAULI, stop by the Institute's office located in Fahy Room 246. Don't forget to follow the Institute Twitter and Instagram @JAULISHU to stay up to date with their latest news and events.